Boyle GAA club pay tribute to the late Barry Feely
Barry Feely and PJ Keane on their induction to the Boyle GAA Hall of Fame in Kilronan Castle in January 2023.
Boyle GAA club has paid tribute to the late Barry Feely who died on Monday morning at his home at Woodenbridge Road, Boyle surrounded by his heartbroken family.
The 85-year-old was a well known businessman, writer and community activist. Paying tribute the local GAA club stated, "It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of our Club President Barry Feely.
"Barry is of course best known for his lifelong commitment to his family’s business, Feelystone. Feelystone was founded by Barry’s great grandfather Patrick over 200 years ago in Boyle. Barry and his brother Pat took over the operation on the death of their father Henry J Feely and grew the business to be one of the biggest and best employers in the region.
"In later years Barry wrote several books which were published and sold well, something he was very proud of.
"Barry has been a lifelong Gael. As he said in an interview with the Roscommon People in 2022, “GAA has been in my blood because my father brought me to matches. There’s nothing that gives me bigger joy than to see a Boyle team play”.
"The Feely family have played a central role in the history of Boyle GAA. Barry’s Grandfather Patrick J Feely was one of the founding members of the GAA in County Roscommon and won a County Championship with Boyle “Young Irelanders” in 1890. Barry’s father Henry was a founding member of the Northern County GAA Board and also won a County Championship with Boyle in 1926. Barry himself was a great sportsman and a key member of Boyle teams throughout the 1950’s and 60’s. He was one of the stars on the Boyle team that lifted the County Junior Championship trophy in 1964.
"After his playing days came to an end, his love for our Gaelic games continued and Barry served on the executive of Boyle GAA for over 50 years. He was Club Chairman from 1979 to 1981. Barry was instrumental in Boyle GAA purchasing The Abbey Park in 1977. He, along with his good friend PJ Keane led the committee to raise funds and ensure that the purchase of our grounds went through. Barry was later appointed President of Boyle GAA Club and was inducted into the Boyle GAA Club Hall of Fame in 2022.
"Barry was a great family man and just as his father had done with him, he passed on his love for the GAA to his own children. His sons Colin, Finbarr and Shane have all togged out in the maroon and white over the years and Shane is our Club’s current Chairman. Barry’s daughter Rhona has carried out several roles in the LGFA Club, including Secretary and PRO. Barry’s son in law Jim has also held officer roles in the GAA and LGFA Clubs and his daughter in law Sharon is the GAA Club’s current PRO. Barry’s grandson Luke McGrath and nephew Mark O’Connor are current players with our senior Men’s team.
"Barry will be missed by all who knew him, but he has left us with many great memories.
"Our deepest sympathies are with Ursula, Rhona, Colin, Ciara, Finbarr, Shane and all the Feely family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Mr Feely will be reposing at Feelystone, Boyle F52 X327 today, Tuesday, September 16th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Requiem Mass on Wednesday, September 17th at 12 p.m. in St Joseph's Parish Church, Boyle. He will be laid to rest immediately afterwards in Assylin Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu to Mayo Roscommon Hospice. The funeral Mass will be available to view on www.boyleparish.ie
